Collection of my published Remezcla articles (March 2013)

Here is a collection of articles that were published in Remezcla (March 2013)

Video: Bomba Estéreo - Caribbean Power
Below is an excerpt from the article published March 12, 2013:

Few bands come on to the music scene with so much intensity that the whole world notices and even fewer are able to build on that intensity and continue to create innovative music that transcends cultures. Colombia’s Bomba Estereo is one of these few bands. On their video for their second single, Caribbean Power, off last year’s excellent  Elegancia Tropical, they feature a live performance of the song that really captures the ferocity of their live shows and their new found love for the synthesizer.

You can read the rest & watch the video here:
http://music.remezcla.com/2013/latin/video-bomba-estereo-caribbean-power/

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Video: Carla Morrison - Disfruto
Below is an excerpt from the article published on March 12, 2013:

Carla Morrison is back with a music video for her new single Disfruto from her Grammy winning album, Dejenme Llorar. The video features Morrison singlehandedly acting out the feelings of the lyrics. The concept is very simple yet effective in its invocation of emotions. It begins off focus and in black and white where we see Morrison’s blurred silhouette sitting in front of a blank wall. As the focus adjusts she begins to act out and gesture the sentiments of the lyrics. When the camera zooms in to Morrison’s eyes, slowly color begins to appear on her lips and face and soon everywhere else. It’s a creative effort that really works especially when Morrison’s intense direct stare pierces the camera and connects with the viewer.

You can read the rest & watch the video here:
http://music.remezcla.com/2013/latin/video-carla-morrison-disfruto/ 

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Free Download: Royal Highness - Sakala Mois EP
Below is an excerpt from the article published on March 22, 2013:

Royal Highness mix big bass beats, tribal, kuduro, cumbia, and trap music in such a way that I guarantee they will get you bobbing your head and dancing on their inventive new EP, Sakala Mois. The EP features four brand new tracks from the Austin-based duo. The first track, Screwbal is a blend of 90’s era “chopped and screwed” music and tribal. The combination sounds odd but it works very well, it’s a jarring big bass track that demands to be heard at a loud volume to truly appreciate its grandeur. PuroPari features the vocals of NYC based Zuzuka Poderosa and is a great quirky dance song that pays to tribute to “el puro pinche pari.” The track Extra Large Kids is a full on electro kuduro banger that will get your heart raising and your hips shaking to the upbeat African inspired groove that dominates the track. The final track Fiesta Colombiano mixes many samples, merengue sounding beats and big bass music to create an aural experience unlike no other. It is a mash-up of cultures that seamlessly collides on the dance floor. Fiesta Colombiano is a prime example of the continuous evolution of the Latino sound that fuses traditional elements in innovative ways to create a musical identity for a new generation.

Read the rest and download the EP for free here: 
http://music.remezcla.com/2013/latin/free-download-royal-highness-sakala-mois-ep/

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Song Review: Los Macuanos - El Camotero
Below is an excerpt from the article published on March 26, 2013:

Los Macuanos are part of the Ruidosón revolution that exploded in the local Tijuana music scene and became internationally known for its brooding themes and big bass beats that coalesce the past and the current to create a fresh sound that represents the present and looks forward to the future. Los Macuanos have been making clever political statements and social commentary through their music.

You can read the rest and hear the song here: 
http://music.remezcla.com/2013/latin/listen-los-macuanos-el-camotero/

Live Review - Muse at Staples Center 1/24/12

I have been a fan of Muse since their first album and it wasn't until I finally saw them at The Mayan in Downtown L.A. that I became addicted to seeing them live. This show felt like they were way too big for the intimate venue, I had never seen anything like that and my ears were shocked and elated. 

I've now have seen Muse approximately seven times live and their last tour for The Resistance blew my mind. They were finally at the level where they could play the Staples Center and they trumped it and made this massive venue seem small with their set-up that included three towers which they performed in the center of.

I must admit that I was not a big fan of their latest album and was not as excited to see them live this time around but I was curious because I knew they were going to bring it. So at the last minute, after finally getting over a cold, we got tickets and damn did they bring it!

Muse has taken arena rock to a new level with astounding visuals projected on suspended screens above the stage that lowered and raised positions. Throw in pyrotechnics, lasers and Muse's explosive sound and you have an experience like no other. Of course all of this helped me enjoy the newer songs more but I was very happy to hear some classic Muse anthems.  This time Muse fit the Staples Center just right not only with their sound but with their stage theatrics. My ears were grateful but my eyes were even more so.  

The only thing that distracted me from the show was the announcement of the Coachella lineup. It was announced during Muse's second song and I had to look at it but Muse demanded my attention and I succumbed.